Selling your home in Zimbabwe's changing property market is challenging and requires careful planning. Whether this is your first sale or you have done it before, the process can be complex.
This is why most property owners in Zimbabwe hire professional estate agents. A good agent does more than just put up a "FOR SALE" sign. They connect your property with serious buyers and handle all the important paperwork.
Here's how to find an agent who will represent your property well.
1. Research agents online
Start by looking through Propertybook's Agent Directory. You can then look them up online, read their reviews and ask about them. This also helps you start your search by looking through registered Zimbabwean real estate professionals. Using generic Google and Facebook searches could leave you with bogus agents who make scamming potential buyers their pastime.
Professional tip: Notice how agents respond to negative reviews. Do they defend themselves or show professionalism? This shows you how they might handle problems during your property sale.
2. Meet with several agents
Once you've learned who the legitimate, registered agents are and have narrowed your pool, it's time to schedule some meetings.
Many property sellers in Zimbabwe make the mistake of hiring the first agent they meet. Take time to interview at least three agents. Treat these meetings as job interviews, because you are hiring someone. Ask each agent the same questions so you can compare their answers.
Remember, you are not just hiring skills. You are starting a professional relationship that will involve regular communication during an important financial transaction.
3. Ask questions that show their skills
The right questions will help you see which agents have real expertise. Here are important questions to ask:
"How long have you been selling properties in Zimbabwe?" Experience matters in our unique market. An experienced agent knows Zimbabwe's property trends and has connections with potential buyers.
Newer agents may give you more personal attention and fresh ideas. Just make sure you understand what level of experience they have.
"Do you mainly work with sellers or buyers?" In Zimbabwe's property market, specialists often perform better than generalists. An agent who focuses on selling homes will better understand your needs as a seller. They will know how to present your property's best features to buyers.
"How many clients are you working with right now?" If an agent is handling too many properties at once, they may not give yours enough attention. On the other hand, too few clients might mean they are not in high demand.
"Do you work alone or with a team?" Some agents in Zimbabwe work with assistants or as part of a larger office. This is neither good nor bad, but you should know what to expect. Will you speak directly with your agent when issues come up, or will you talk to an assistant?
"What types of properties do you usually sell?" An agent who specializes in luxury Borrowdale homes might not be the best fit for selling your flat in the CBD. Similarly, someone who mainly sells homes might struggle with your commercial property.
"Can you handle my specific situation?" Are you moving for work and need to sell quickly? Does your property have special features or problems? Make sure your agent understands your unique needs and can create a plan that works for you.
"How will you market my property?" In today's Zimbabwe, digital marketing is essential. Will they list your property on Propertybook and other popular websites? Will they use professional photos? Will they host open houses? Be careful of agents who suggest "exclusive" or private listings—in our market, more exposure usually means better value.
"Can I speak with some of your past clients?" References can tell you what working with this agent is really like. Past clients can tell you if the agent communicated well, negotiated effectively, and made the selling process easier. Their refusal to do so might tell you exactly what you need to know.
4. Make sure you can communicate well
Poor communication causes most problems between sellers and agents in Zimbabwe. If you prefer WhatsApp messages but your agent only uses email, problems may arise. If you expect weekly updates but your agent typically reports monthly, you may feel neglected.
Be clear about how and when you expect to hear from your agent. The right professional will either adapt to your preferred method or explain why a different approach might work better.
5. Be honest about why you're selling
Your reasons for selling affect your strategy. Are you moving abroad and need to sell quickly? Are you looking for maximum profit even if it takes longer? Do you need to sell within a certain time to avoid tax issues?
A good Zimbabwean agent will adjust their approach based on your priorities—but only if you share them. At the same time, try to assess and evaluate whether or not your realtor shows the same level of honesty.
6. Discuss how buyers will see your property
With unreliable internet and high fuel costs, Zimbabwean buyers are careful about which properties they visit in person. Your agent should have a plan to make your property stand out online, such as using Propertybook's OnShow promotion.
Ask about virtual tours, quality photos, and detailed listings. The goal is to give potential buyers enough information to become interested in your property before they visit.
Also discuss how viewings will be managed. Will the agent be present for all showings? How will they screen potential buyers? In our security-conscious country, these details are important.
7. Get all business details in writing
Before signing any agreement, make sure you both agree on three key details:
- Commission rate: Standard rates in Zimbabwe typically are 5%.
- Listing price: Your agent should provide clear market evidence for their suggested price.
- Contract length: What happens if your property hasn't sold after three or six months? Can you end the agreement without penalty?
Having these points clear from the start prevents problems later.
Final thoughts
The right estate agent can turn a difficult selling process into a successful one. They will guide you through Zimbabwe's unique property market, connect you with serious buyers, and handle the complex paperwork.
Take your time to find an agent who understands both the market and your needs. Selling your property is one of the biggest financial transactions you will make—it deserves the right professional support.
For more property selling tips for the Zimbabwean market, visit our blog page at Propertybook.co.zw.
Photo: by Kindel Media from Pexels
